Tory MP Questions National Security Advisor's Wife's Social Media Posts

Conservative MP Alicia Kearns has raised concerns about the suitability of Jonathan Powell, the National Security Advisor, to remain in his post following social media references made by his wife, Sarah Helm, to Palestine Action. Kearns, who serves as the shadow home affairs minister, has written to the Prime Minister to question Powell's position, despite the Metropolitan Police concluding that no further action was necessary regarding Helm's comments.

A Downing Street spokeswoman stated that the views expressed were those of an individual and did not represent the government in any capacity.

Helm's post on X last Thursday read: "God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action," in response to a discussion about author Sally Rooney. Rooney had previously announced that her books would not be supplied to UK booksellers after she stated her intention to use her royalties to support Palestine Action.

The Metropolitan Police investigation into Helm's post determined that it did not meet the criminal threshold, and the matter was closed on Saturday. However, Kearns has written to Andy Burnham regarding the handling of sensitive national security information, inquiring whether the government has investigated the posts and if full confidence in the advisor is retained.

Kearns told the BBC, "We cannot have the NSA's wife tweeting about what decisions her husband has or hasn't made." Palestine Action was proscribed as a terror organization last year, making it a criminal offense to belong to or support the group, punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment. An appeal against this proscription is scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court next month.